Wild Animals in Circuses

Stop it! – New Video Clips

Our Campaign against wild animals in circuses continues. The Stop it! video collection is growing: 24 clips document the suffering of wild animals. Internationally Even sea lions and chimpanzees have to suffer in the circus.  

Stop it!-Sea Lion

The clip “Sea Lion” (Link: circus video) shows that even marine mammals like sea lions are kept in circuses. In tiny water basins the playful animals can’t behave naturally, as they are unable to dive or live in a large social group.

Stop it!-Lonely Chimp

Another harrowing fate is documented in the clip “Lonely Chimp” (Link: circus video): A chimpanzee is taken from show to show by a German circus, housed in a tiny wagon without other chimpanzees. For the performance, the great ape is forced to wear a costume and perform demeaning tricks.

Campaign continues

More than 50,000 people across Europe have already expressed their disgust with RED CARDS against the use of wild animals in circuses. Over 500 supporter photos and 70 animal photos have been uploaded to the picture gallery (Link: circus video).

Despite increasing public opposition in many countries, the use of wild animals remains common in circuses in many European countries and across the world.


Wild animals used in European circuses include:

• Mammals – big cats, elephants, camels, guanacos, sea lions, zebras, antelope, bears, bison, water buffalo, fox, giraffes, hippopotamus, hyenas, kangaroos, primates, reindeer, rhinoceros, tapir and wolves
• Birds – emus, ostrich, parakeets, penguins, vulture, parrots and macaws;
• Reptiles – alligators and pythons.

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